When we think about stakeholder engagement in major infrastructure projects, it’s easy to gravitate towards the most visible and powerful voices: our MPs and Councillors. After all, they hold elected office, they’re easy to find in the phonebook, and they often have the authority to shape public perception and funding decisions. But if we focusContinue reading “Broadening our stakeholder lens beyond the political spectrum”
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Breaking the stop-start cycle in stakeholder engagement
In major infrastructure projects, stakeholder engagement can mistakenly be treated as a campaign, one that is intense, urgent, and highly visible at key moments, then quiet, almost absent, in the periods in between. This ‘feast or famine’ approach isn’t just inefficient. It erodes stakeholder trust. And trust is the foundation of all strong relationships. SoContinue reading “Breaking the stop-start cycle in stakeholder engagement”
Lead with empathy: engaging stakeholders with additional needs the right way
For some, stakeholder engagement can mistakenly be approached as a box tick exercise; a workshop, a newsletter, a public consultation event. But when you strip away the jargon and frameworks, what you’re left with is a simple human truth: people want to feel seen, heard, and understood. And for those with additional needs, including neurodiverseContinue reading “Lead with empathy: engaging stakeholders with additional needs the right way”
Why understanding legitimate expectation is vital in consultation and engagement
In my professional life, there’s a simple principle I follow: people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. The same is true in public consultation. People don’t just want to be informed, they want to be involved. They want to know that their voices matter, that their input makes a difference.Continue reading “Why understanding legitimate expectation is vital in consultation and engagement”
Start with listening: the art of conversation and the engine behind infrastructure projects success
We often think of infrastructure as concrete and steel, bridges, roads, tunnels, cables. But the real infrastructure, the invisible one that powers progress, is human. It’s the network of relationships, trust, and shared purpose between people. That’s where the art of conversation comes in. We’re not just building things, we’re building belief. Whether it’s aContinue reading “Start with listening: the art of conversation and the engine behind infrastructure projects success”
Flip the fear: using imposter syndrome to fuel impact in communications and engagement
Let’s start with a simple idea: the stories we tell ourselves shape the people we become. In the world of communications, stakeholder relations, and engagement, we spend our days helping others find clarity, trust, and connection. But here’s the thing, so many of us who champion authentic, transparent communication are walking around silently struggling withContinue reading “Flip the fear: using imposter syndrome to fuel impact in communications and engagement”
Discovering your superpower: logic, fact, and the human connection in infrastructure projects
We all have a superpower. No, not the ability to fly or become invisible, but something far more impactful. It’s the unique combination of how we think, how we act, and how we communicate. In the world of stakeholder engagement, especially in the context of major infrastructure projects, this superpower becomes critical. But here’s theContinue reading “Discovering your superpower: logic, fact, and the human connection in infrastructure projects”
Navigating route planning for airport infrastructure: achieving faster planning consent through effective public consultation
Airport infrastructure development is crucial for accommodating increasing passenger numbers, advancing technological capabilities, and ensuring safety and efficiency. However, planning routes for such infrastructure often faces hurdles, particularly in obtaining planning consent. One effective strategy to streamline this process is through robust public consultation. By engaging with the community and stakeholders, airports can foster trust,Continue reading “Navigating route planning for airport infrastructure: achieving faster planning consent through effective public consultation”
Enhancing airport infrastructure: the power of targeted and effective communication
As global air travel continues to surge, the necessity for modern, efficient, and expanded airport infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. However, convincing stakeholders and communities of the importance of upgrading existing airport facilities can be challenging. Effective, targeted, and tailored communication plays a pivotal role in bridging this gap, ensuring that all parties understand and supportContinue reading “Enhancing airport infrastructure: the power of targeted and effective communication”
Securing political support for active travel and mastering stakeholder engagement to navigate bureaucracy
In the next instalment of my series on active travel, I shift my focus towards securing political support. As decision-makers look to foster more sustainable travel habits, involving communities in the planning process, this article explores how mastering engagement and successfully navigating bureaucracy can lead to effective behaviour change and significantly benefit regional communities. AsContinue reading “Securing political support for active travel and mastering stakeholder engagement to navigate bureaucracy”
Co-creation and behaviour change: shaping active travel for regional communities
As part of my series on active travel articles, I shift my focus toward the transformative potential of co-creation and behaviour change within regional communities. As decision-makers look to foster more sustainable travel habits, involving communities in the planning process not only empowers but also tailors solutions to fit local needs more precisely. This articleContinue reading “Co-creation and behaviour change: shaping active travel for regional communities”
Understanding the nuances: consultation vs. engagement
In various fields, be it business, governance, or community initiatives, the terms ‘consultation’ and ‘engagement’ are frequently used interchangeably. However, understanding the nuances between these two concepts is crucial for effective decision-making, collaboration, and fostering meaningful relationships. While both consultation and engagement involve interaction and communication, they differ significantly in their objectives, processes, and levelsContinue reading “Understanding the nuances: consultation vs. engagement”
Rapport North 